LE CATCH

Here are some shoes that will get the party started! A dramatic back bow tie is exactly the right kind of fun, frivolous flourish the holidays demand, and the under-$60 price can't be beat!

$39, h&m

More button-trimmed denim goodness, but this time with a sleek wide-leg silhouette, patch pockets and black wash. Yes, please!

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs sweater, $180, netaporter.com
2. Mango faux fur jacket, $189, mango.com
3. Dolce & Gabbana color block bag, $1709, matchesfashion.com
4. Givenchy sneakers, $495, nordstrom.com
5. H&M jeans, $39, hm.com

Just in case you forgot: A basic, everyday cardigan can do great stylish wonders, like pull a whole look together. Case in point, above. It also lends just enough warmth, without too much bulk. And I think it adds both polish and a sense of laid-back ease. Inspired, I tracked down some new outfit-improving options to throw over your shoulders right this minute. They include this cashmere Chinti and Parker, this fringed Glamorous, this Chanel-like Miss Selfridge, this shaggy Leith, this cozy Joie, this sequined J.Crew and this game-changing Gucci. The cardigan pictured above is by Levi's and available here.

Photo: Collage Vintage

Last season Kiini, a vibrant line of crochet bikinis swept the beaches from east to west. (These handmade suits actually sold out before spring had even sprung!) Now hot off the press: Same Swim, a cute-meets-sexy collection of mix and match tops and bottoms featuring contrasting embroidery and surf-ready silhouettes. I have a hunch these too will sell like hotcakes (i.e., before my next warm weather getaway!). You can check out the current collection here.

$128, banana republic

This faux fur sweater vest had me with its stripes, of course, but its layering possibilities are also delightfully endless.

1. Jupe by Jackie embroidered shirt, $647, matchesfashion.com
2. Banana Republic faux fur sweater vest, $128, bananarepublic.com
3. Vita Fede earrings, $255, shopbop.com
4. The Row jeans, $550, netaporter.com
5. Stella McCartney coat, $1690, netaporter.com
6. Corroon canvas tote bag, $200, corroon.com
7. Via Spiga loafers, $250, nordstrom.com

This year my youngest son employed a 3x4-inch note to clue Santa in on what he wants for Christmas. For the record, his list consists of seven gifts, including what-in-the-world-are-they items like Colossal Blitz and Turbo Dryer! I am pretty certain the elves will know what these toys are and where to get them. But just so there's no confusion, I thought I'd spell out my own wishlist, using this (much bigger than a 3x4!) space here.

1. I truly believe that one of the best gifts you can give/receive is a book you can't put down. I hear that the following books are slam dunks: The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest at the 1936 Berlin Olympics (my father was an Olympic rower in the 1960 Rome Olympics), hence my interest!); Brooklyn, Outline, and The Nightingale.

2. I am obsessed with everything Gucci right now, thanks to creative director Alessandro Michele's quirky romantic vision. I'm thinking this statement cardigan will last me a lifetime and turn some heads all the while.

3. One can never have enough bling: this, this, this and this are pretty dreamy.

4. Or shoes: I'd love to put this Gianvito Rossi block heel and this Aquazurra lace-up pump into regular rotation.

5: Or party dresses like this Alice & Olivia, this Reformation, this Asos, this Issa, and this Proenza Schouler. I'm also dazzled by this NYE-ready MSGM top!

6. I'd really, really like to trick out my kitchen with this mood-setting modern light fixture by Jason Koharik and these delicate stemless wine glasses.

7. Like last year, the thing I really want most is something no one can shop for: Health and happiness for my family and friends! I wish you all the same!

$350, netaporter

Grey wool and gold chain mail have never looked so good!

1. Equipment cashmere turtleneck, $320, netaporter.com
2. Lipstick Queen in Jungle Queen, $24, barneys.com
3. Valentino camouflage pouch, $645, luisaviaroma.com
4. Stuart Weitzman nude patent sandal, $398, neimanmarcus.com
5. J.Crew skirt, $350, netaporter.com

This Instagram pic just stopped me dead in my denim-clad tracks. For these button-accented, high-waisted jeans are unlike any I have in my arsenal. And they're fantastically cool! They're already sold out on J.Brand's website, but I tracked them down in both black and blue here and here.

$69, h&m

While a little black dress could certainly carry you through party season, there's something distinctly cool about showing up in a jumpsuit, like this one!

1. H&M jumpsuit, $69, hm.com
2. Percossi Papi multi-stone earrings, $1070, netaporter.com
3. Dolce & Gabbana Classic Cream lipstick in Black Magic, $34, nordstrom.com
4. Mango embellished clutch, $59, mango.com
5. Aquazurra lace-up pumps, $695, bergdorfgoodman.com

The dress code for Art Basel in Miami leans toward the creative, of course, and Solange Knowles, above, illustrated this art form perfectly this week in a dramatic ruffled-sleeved Ellery. I also love this less expensive version here. Oh, and the Gucci shoes aren't bad either!

Photo: Harper's Bazaar